Sealed Spring Devices

Abstract

A method for sealing a spring comprising providing a spring device, locating an activatable material within the spring device activating the activatable material, and installing the spring device into a desired location after activating the activatable material.

1 : A method comprising:
 providing a spring device;   locating an activatable material within the spring device;   activating the activatable material;   installing the spring device into a desired location after activating the activatable material.   
     
     
         2 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the step of locating the activatable material into the spring includes cutting the activatable material to form individual members. 
     
     
         3 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material is located into the spring by spraying the material into the spring. 
     
     
         4 : The method as in  claim 2 , wherein the activatable material is located into the spring by spraying the material into the spring. 
     
     
         5 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material is located into the spring by pushing the activatable material into the spring with an automated device or by hand. 
     
     
         6 : The method as in  claim 2 , wherein the activatable material is located into the spring by pushing the activatable material into the spring with an automated device or by hand. 
     
     
         7 : The method as in  claim 3 , wherein the activatable material is located into the spring by pushing the activatable material into the spring with an automated device or by hand. 
     
     
         8 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material is sprayed into the spring in a powder form. 
     
     
         9 : The method as in  claim 2 , wherein the activatable material is sprayed into the spring in a powder form. 
     
     
         10 : The method as in  claim 5 , wherein the activatable material is sprayed into the spring in a powder form. 
     
     
         11 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the spring is installed in furniture, a transportation vehicle, a sporting good, a building material, or any other structure where springs are traditionally utilized. 
     
     
         12 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein there is a period of at least 24 hours, at least 1 week, at least 4 weeks, at least 1 month, or even at least 1 year, between locating the activatable material into the spring and activating the activatable material. 
     
     
         13 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material is adapted for forming a sealing material, an acoustical material, an adhesive, a structural foam, or a combination of at least two of the foregoing. 
     
     
         14 : The method as in  claim 10 , wherein the activatable material is a material that seals the spring device to substantially minimize or prevent vibration. 
     
     
         15 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material includes a plastic selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, thermosets, or a combination thereof or a resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a thermoplastic resin, an acetate resin, an EPDM resin, a phenoxy resin, a polyurethane resin or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 : The method as in  claim 2 , wherein the activatable material includes a plastic selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, thermosets, or a combination thereof or a resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a thermoplastic resin, an acetate resin, an EPDM resin, a phenoxy resin, a polyurethane resin or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         17 : The method as in  claim 3 , wherein the activatable material includes a plastic selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, thermosets, or a combination thereof or a resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a thermoplastic resin, an acetate resin, an EPDM resin, a phenoxy resin, a polyurethane resin or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 : The method as in  claim 5 , wherein the activatable material includes a plastic selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics, thermosets, or a combination thereof or a resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a thermoplastic resin, an acetate resin, an EPDM resin, a phenoxy resin, a polyurethane resin or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 : The method as in  claim 1 , wherein the activatable material has a configuration that is selected from 1) substantially uniform thickness, 2) non-uniform thickness, 3) planar, 4) contoured, 5) geometric, 6) non-geometric, 7) circular cross-section, 8) triangular cross-section 9) rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         20 : A device comprising: a spring; and an activatable material located within the spring, the activatable material in a green state; wherein the activatable material is adapted to expand upon exposure to a stimulus.